Reflection # 2

What:

For baseline evidence#1 I have chosen to include questions from preliminary problems in Organic /General Chemistry 501. These questions on the Lewis structure and VSEPR model were given by the instructor prior to starting my first summer course at MCEP in 2006. For baseline evidence #2 I have chosen to include a question from Quiz #4 in Chem 507 about LASER. This pre-assessment question was given by the instructor prior to teach about LASER and my answer was " I don't know."Later evidence#1 includes a piece of my Spec project about LASER TV as well as a link to my whole project web-page. Later evidence#2 includes different parts from my quizzes(#3) and homework (#4) in Organic Chemistry 501 and Inorganic Chemistry 506; the first piece of later evidence is from my summer 2006 class, and other one from summer 2007 class.

How:

The baseline evidence and the later evidence show my growth in understanding core content area. Core ideas two and four in Chem 501 are directly related to the Lewis Structure and the shell model of the atom. Furthermore, EU#2 from Inorganic Chem 506 focuses on the ability to mentally visualize molecules and chemical reaction in 3D and communicates these 3D concepts using 2D media. EU#2 from Spec Chem 507 on how light affects matter are paramount to understanding spectroscopic chemistry is related to the study of laser and its application.

On the other hand, The only prior knowledge I had about LASER was just some applications in certain recent products. I never knew nor studied how LASER works, or even the meaning of the word LASER. The later evidence shows not only my understanding of LASER but also an application of it. LASER web-project illustrates specific application of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation in designing the laser TV. Furthermore, this project covers how LASER work, main components to create a laser beam, and an application of Boltzmann equation which was a main topic in Spec Chemistry class.

Later evidence shows how I grew through the MCEP not only to draw accepted models of Lewis structure, but also to master the VSEPR model as well as to identify the proper rotation and mirror planes. This growth in content EUs reflects on my classroom practice. Later evidence from Spec Chemistry class is a web-project on LASER TV, which shows my growth in understanding Spec Chemistry as well as it is an example of its application in daily life.

Why:

During the last 4 years of teaching chemistry, I used to ignore teaching the VSEPR model. Just the idea of visualizing a 3D model mentally scared me. On the other hand, teaching the Lewis structure was another obstacle. I used to teach only some basic rules to help my students to gain only the minimum understanding of the shell model. Now, teaching the Lewis and VSPER models is enjoyable especially when popping all these balloons in my room to create a 3D model of atomic shell.

Spec Chemistry is another branch of chemistry I used to ignore. The only prior knowledge I had about LASER was just some applications in certain recent products. I never knew nor studied how LASER works, or even the meaning of the word LASER. The later evidence shows not only my understanding of LASER but also an application of it.

Conclusion :

Studying the same topic in both classes Organic and Inorganic chemistry, gave me deep insight in understanding the VSEPR model as well as the Lewis structure. My initial understanding of Lewis was a real rough inflexible model but through my learning experience in the Organic Chem course, especially when we covered the resonance topic, I gained more insight of the real application of Lewis structure and VSEPR model. Inorganic Chem was the corner stone in changing my way of thinking, in other words, my way of visualizing atoms, molecules, and compounds. Studying the Lewis structure more in depth, the balloon activity (which I use now with my students), and identifying the symmetry points gave me a deep understanding not only in science content but also in how to teach these concepts to my students.

The only Spec topic that I previously taught in my classroom only included electromagnetic waves. I did not focus on chemistry of light, but useed it as an introductory piece to study the atomic structure, especially electrons. Now, I realize the importance of Spectroscopic Chemistry, furthermore I enjoy teaching some of its' applications. Working on LASER for my web-project as an assignment for Chem 507 as well as working on LASER equipment in the Spec lab and observing the intensity of LASER light gave me insight to approach Spec chemistry in my classroom in more depth.

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